Stepping Heavenward

Today's post is not my own. I have a favorite book as most of you probably do. It is called Stepping Heavenward. I read this book every summer; not on purpose, it just seems to turn out that way. It was first written in 1869 by a woman named Elizabeth Prentiss. It is a wonderful story with a style that inspired my novel. I pray someday I will be able to write with as much elegance and conviction as Ms. Prentice exhibits in this book. The story is about a young girls struggle to love God with her whole heart while living in grace. Below is an excerpt...

"Mother asked me last evening to sing and play for her. I was embarrassed to know how to excuse myself without telling her my real reason for declining. But somehow she got it out of me.
'One need not be fanatical to be religious,' she said.
'Is it fanatical to give up all for God?' I asked.
'What is it to give up all?' She asked, in reply.
'Why, to deny one's self every gratification and indulgence in order to mortify one's natural inclinations, and to live entirely for Him.'
'God is then a hard Master, who allows His children no liberty,' she replied. 'Now let us see where this theory will lead you. In the first place you must shut your eyes to all the beautiful things He has made. You must shut your heart against all sweet human affections. You have a body, it is true, and it may revolt against such bondage-'
'We are told to keep under the body,' I interrupted. 'Oh, Mother, don't hinder me!' You know that my love for music is a passion and it is my snare and temptation. And how can I spend my whole time in reading the Bible and praying, if I go on with my drawing? It may do for other people to serve both God and mammon, but not for me. I must belong wholly to the world or wholly to Christ.'"

This book challenges me every time I read it. I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy.